‘Give BACKpacks to the Homeless Day’ in Tampa Gains Momentum and Sponsors as Distribution Deadline Approaches
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) October 01, 2015 -- Chad Haynie’s dream of helping the homeless in Hillsborough County has taken on a life of its own as more people are volunteering to help and more businesses are backing the project. Helping get the word out about Haynie’s efforts is MCA.com (http://myclassifiedads.net), a full-service ad agency based in Tampa.
“We are gaining so much traction in the community,” says the 40-year-old businessman. “The response to this project has been more than I ever expected. I am so touched and inspired by how many individuals and businesses are supporting this initiative.”
When Chad Haynie launched “Give BACKpacks to the Homeless Day”, his goal was a modest 25 backpacks filled with useful items. Thanks to support by companies like MCA.com (http://myclassifiedads.net), that goal has doubled and is growing. Haynie, born in Korea, was adopted into a family in Kansas. One of the values he was taught as a youngster was helping others. That training became a part of his DNA and followed him into adulthood.
“Over the last several years, I’ve been blessed to be able to serve at soup kitchens, participate in food and clothing drives and help provide blankets, coats and other items to the homeless,” he said. “I’ve also taken the opportunity to talk with the homeless that I encounter on the streets, and it's given me a unique insight into what kinds of items are most impactful in the day-to-day life of a homeless person.”
That seed of an idea eventually developed into "Give BACKpacks to the Homeless Day", with BACK standing for “Blessing And Care Kit”. Hashtags: #GiveBACK #GiveBACKTampa #GiveBACKparty
MCA.com/Russell Johns (http://russelljohns.com) were among the first corporate sponsors. Since then, more have been added. They include: InVentiv Health, Adheris Inc., Regenerative Medical Solutions and Meyers Inspired Photography. Also helping is the CDCA (Channel District Community Alliance).
“They are behind the project, stating it would help to make the community a better place,” Haynie said. “They have offered to donate 10 full BACKpacks.”
According to Haynie, there will be a #GiveBACKparty at Pourhouse/Gingerbeard Coffee on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The address is 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602.
“Pourhouse will be serving craft beer and wine, and the event will feature a raffle for prizes from area businesses such as Ulele, The Hyde Out, Powerhouse Gym, Smallcakes Tampa, WhatSUP South Tampa and many more,” he said. “It will be a final chance to donate a backpack or items; attendees who have donated a backpack or personal item for a backpack will be issued tickets for the raffle. Immediately following, we will head out to distribute the backpacks.”
The executive director for the Trinity Café has offered to support the effort by helping to distribute any leftover backpacks on the morning of Oct. 11.
“We will be at Trinity Café to distribute the remaining BACKpacks to the homeless who are being served breakfast,” Haynie said.
Items requested for inclusion in the backpacks include: socks, travel pillows, bottled water, light blankets, flashlights, batteries, antibacterial wipes, travel mugs, mosquito repellent, aspirin, Band-Aids, Neosporin, nail clippers, brushes, combs, beef jerky, dried fruit snacks, Ziploc baggies, bicycle locks, padlocks.
Also welcome, gift cards; for example: Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Dunkin’ Donuts, Great Clips, Supercuts, Subway, McDonald’s and prepaid phone cards.
"I’d also really like to put some kind of inspirational note in each bag,” admits Haynie. “Some of the homeless may smirk at that, but I’m not so concerned with the look on their face as I am with the message to their heart.
Lindsey Meyer of MeyerInspired.com will chronicle the Oct. 10 event. Meyer is an on-location photographer who specializes in what she calls “unique photography and editing that create a one-of-a-kind image.” Categories include family portraits, events, glamour images, landscape, and corporate images.
For information about BACK-packs, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/608822939220045.
For information about photographer Lindsey Meyer’s offerings, visit http://meyerinspired.com or call (785) 252-7165.
ABOUT: MCA.com (http://myclassifiedads.net) is a full-service advertising agency based in Tampa. As part of its corporate mission, along with Russell Johns Associates, MCA-RJ uses a portion of its resources on a regular basis to shine a spotlight on stories it believes will inspire others.
Kelsey Schepmann, My Classified Ads, LLC, http://www.myclassifiedads.net, +1 813-551-0834, [email protected]
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